Boat a buying is similar to buying a car. If you've always bought new cars because you don't want to spend time on maintenance or repairs and you want a warranty, a new boat may be for you. Be aware, however, that new boats are rarely as trouble-free as new cars.

Used boats can be a bargain, if you know what you're getting. A first-time buyer would have to be pretty daring to buy an expensive used boat from an unknown private party. But, buying a used boat that has been researched and inspected can result in a great deal.

In addition to individuals selling their own boats and dealers selling new and used boats, you'll find brokers who sell mostly high-end boats. These brokers work like real estate brokers: They get a commission when they find a buyer for a boat listed for a sale.

Brokers are out on the docks talking to boat owners every day. They may be able to save you hours of time and disappointing trips to look at boats that aren't what you expect them to be. Most brokers work for the seller. You may, however, want to try to hire a broker to represent you as a buyer's agent. Local boating publications and the Internet often list brokers.

Resale value is something to keep in mind when buying a boat. To get your money's worth from your investment, you should plan to keep a boat at least three years. When you do sell, brand and model will be important. A classic or very popular model will have a higher resale value. If you buy a lesser known model, you're likely to own it for a very long time. Talk to dealers and other boat owners to find out why a boat falls into either category.

Finally, the best time to buy a boat is during the off-season. Boat prices tend to be highest in early summer for areas with a cold winter. In warm climates, such as southern California or the Gulf Coast, there is no off-season. However, good deals are possible on leftover models at the end of the model year.